Will Iran play a role in the end times?

Quick answer

Iran, once known as Persia and Elam, is repeatedly named in biblical prophecies tied to the end times. From Ezekiel’s vision of Persia joining Magog’s invasion, to modern hostility toward Israel, Scripture suggests Iran will play a significant role in God’s unfolding plan.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The area where Iran is located in the present day was called Persia or Elam in the Bible and is part of several prophecies about the end times. Both Jeremiah and Daniel prophesy about Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39; Daniel 8:2). It is also the same area where Esther lived and where Nehemiah began his journey back to Jerusalem. Ezekiel contains end-times prophecies about the battle of Gog and Magog (Revelation 20:8) in which Persia is identified as an ally of Magog (Ezekiel 38:5). The New Testament mentions Elamites among those present during Pentecost (Acts 2:9). Iran, at times, has outright threatened Israel and is seeking nuclear power; they may play a part in end times.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Jeremiah 49:34–39 prophesied that Elam would be conquered and then regain power. This happened in 596 BC when Babylon conquered Elam. Then, Cyrus the Great of Persia controlled the area before the Medo-Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC. This was in the time of Daniel, who later lived in Elam in Persia (Daniel 8:2).

Persia ruled the area until Alexander the Great took over, fulfilling Daniel 8 prophecies. After that, the area changed hands—the Seleucids, Parthians, Sassanians, Romans, and Byzantines all ruled. In 1501, Iran as we know it was founded.

End-times prophecies identify Persia as an ally of Magog, thought by some to be Russia (Ezekiel 38:5), along with Sudan, Turkey, Libya, and others. This army will attack Israel (Ezekiel 38:11), but God will intervene and destroy it (Ezekiel 39:4–7).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

In Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:9 there were Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, all from the area once identified as Iran.

As for the future, the inhabitants of the area that is now Iran will be part of the battle of Gog and Magog (Revelation 20:8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Lavash, Persian rugs, hot tea —these are some of the positive cultural associations we have of Iran. But what the Bible has to say about the land where modern-day Iran is located is not so favorable. Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel prophesied hostility between Elam (the nation that is now modern-day Iran) and Israel. This antagonism has been borne out in modern-day news headlines. Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the country has been openly hostile toward Israel. In fact, Iran doesn’t recognize Israel as a legitimate state.

But, as Christians, we should support Israel’s right to exist. God chose Israel to be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6), and Jesus, a Jew, fulfilled that. Thus, Israel has a special place in God’s plan. Christians may not always agree with Israel’s methods, but when faced with hostility from Iran, we should support the nation that God chose.

UNDERSTAND

Iran (Persia/Elam) is named in multiple biblical prophecies.

Ezekiel 38 shows Persia (Iran) allied with Magog against Israel.

Iran’s modern hostility toward Israel reflects these prophecies.

REFLECT

How does knowing that Iran is mentioned in biblical prophecy shape the way you view today’s world events?

When you hear about hostility toward Israel, how does it challenge your trust in God’s control over history?

How can you prepare your heart to remain faithful if you see biblical prophecies potentially unfolding in your lifetime?

ENGAGE

What do the prophecies about Persia/Iran reveal about God’s sovereignty over nations and history?

How can Christians support Israel biblically while also seeking peace and compassion toward all people, including Iranians?

What lessons can we learn from seeing prophecies fulfilled in history that strengthen our confidence in those still to come?